Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a backlight assembly and an LCD apparatus that includes the backlight assembly. A first receiving container has at least two members that can be combined into a frame and receive a plurality of lamps and a light diffusing member. A receiving container may be fabricated using the two or more members. Even though the size of the frame made of the members is small relative to the LCD apparatus, the receiving container can be used with the LCD apparatus. Accordingly, manufacturing processes of the LCD apparatus may be simplified and cost of production may be reduced.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent ApplicationNo. 2002-40349 filed on Jul. 11, 2002, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a backlight assembly and an LCD(Liquid Crystal Display) apparatus, and more particularly to a backlightassembly for a large-sized screen and an LCD having the same.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Today, information processing devices come in various shapes andare capable of functioning at high data processing speeds. In suchinformation processing devices, information in the form of an electricsignals are typically conveyed to users through a display device.

[0006] Conventional LCD apparatuses of light weight and compact sizesrelative to a CRT type display device have been developed to achievefull-color and high-resolution. These LCD apparatuses operate based onthe fact that liquid crystal molecules change their arrangements inresponse to an applied voltage. In other words, these LCD apparatusesdisplay an image by converting variations in optical properties ofliquid crystal cells into variations in visual properties. The LCDapparatuses typically receive light from a backlight assembly disposedunder an LCD panel and display the image on the LCD panel.

[0007] The backlight assembly is classified into a direct illuminationtype LCD apparatus and an edge lighting type LCD apparatus according tothe position of a light source. The direct illumination type LCDapparatus provides light to the LCD panel using a plurality of lightsources disposed under the LCD panel, increasing the brightnessproperties of the image.

[0008] The direct illumination type LCD apparatus includes an LCD panelfor displaying an image and a backlight assembly for providing the lightto the LCD panel. The backlight assembly includes a plurality of lampsfor generating the light, a diffusing plate disposed on the lamps, areflecting plate disposed under the lamps and a receiving container forreceiving the lamps, the diffusing plate and the reflecting plate. Thediffusing plate diffuses the light from the lamps to provide light ofuniform brightness distribution to the LCD panel and the reflectingplate reflects the light from the lamps to increase the amount of lightsupplied to the diffusing plate.

[0009] The receiving container includes a bottom mold frame, an uppermold frame and a bottom chassis. The bottom chassis includes a bottomsurface and a sidewall extending from the bottom surface. The bottommold frame receives the lamps and the diffusing plate. The reflectingplate is placed on the bottom surface of the bottom chassis and thebottom mold frame, in turn, is disposed on the reflecting plate. Theupper mold frame is combined with the bottom mold frame, coupling thediffusing plate to the bottom mold frame. Then, the LCD panel isdisposed on the upper mold frame. In order to fix the LCD panel to theupper mold frame, a top chassis is placed over the LCD panel andcombined with the bottom chassis.

[0010] As the display size of the LCD apparatus have been gradually[increases] increasing, there has been a concomitant increase in thesize of the receiving container. This trend of increasing receivingcontainer size is undesirable because the bottom and the upper moldframes of the receiving container, generally, are manufactured by aninjection molding process. The fact that the bottom and upper moldframes are manufactured using the injection molding process means that anew injection molding machine, transferring machine, etc., are neededevery time there is an increase in the size of the mold frames to bemanufactured. This need to constantly acquire new equipment not onlydrives up the manufacturing cost of the LCD apparatus but also adverselyaffects the quality of the manufactured LCD apparatuses. Morespecifically, since the injection molding process is performed under ahigh temperature condition, the mold frames may expand or contract,causing the end product to warp. As a result, the yield and the qualityof the LCD apparatus are lowered.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a backlight assembly design thatis conducive to a higher yield.

[0012] The present invention also provides an LCD apparatus includingthe backlight assembly.

[0013] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a backlightassembly comprising: a plurality of lamps for generating light; a lightdiffusing member for diffusing the light to have a uniform brightnessdistribution; and a first receiving container for receiving the lampsand the light diffusing member, the first receiving container having atleast two members that are designed to be combined into a frame.

[0014] In another aspect, there is provided an LCD apparatus comprising:a plurality of lamps for generating light; a light diffusing member fordiffusing the light to enhance uniformity of brightness distribution; afirst receiving container for receiving the lamps and the lightdiffusing member, the first receiving container having at least twomembers that are designed to be combined into a frame; a secondreceiving container for receiving the first receiving container, thesecond receiving container having a bottom surface and sidewallsextending from the bottom surface; an LCD panel for receiving the lightand displaying an image; and a chassis that is couplable with the secondreceiving container to place the LCD panel in contact with the firstreceiving container.

[0015] With the invention, the first receiving container may befabricated using the two or more members even though the members aresmall in comparison with that of the LCD apparatus. Accordingly,manufacturing processes of the LCD apparatus may be simplified and thecost of production of the LCD apparatus may be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other advantages of the present invention willbecome readily apparent by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of adirect illumination type LCD according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled structure ofthe direct illumination type LCD shown in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thebottom mold frame shown in FIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled structure ofthe bottom mold frame shown in FIG. 3;

[0021]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thebottom mold frame according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled structure ofthe bottom mold frame shown in FIG. 5;

[0023]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thebottom mold frame according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an assembled structurebetween the lamp and bottom mold frame shown in FIG. 5;

[0025]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D′showingan assembled structure between the lamp and bottom mold frame shown inFIG. 5;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E′showing an assembled structure between the lamp and bottom mold frameshown in FIG. 5;

[0027]FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the backlightassembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F′showing an assembled structure of the backlight assembly shown in FIG.11; and

[0029]FIG. 13 a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G′ showingan assembled structure of the backlight assembly shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of adirect illumination type LCD according to the present invention. FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled structure of the directillumination type LCD shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the direct illumination type LCDapparatus 1000 includes a display unit 100 for receiving light anddisplaying an image in response to an image signal and a backlightassembly 500 for providing the light to the display unit 100.

[0032] The display unit 100 includes an LCD panel 110, a data PCB(Printed Circuit Board) 120, a gate PCB 130, a date TCP (Tape CarrierPackage) 140 and a gate TCP 150. The LCD panel 110 includes a TFTsubstrate 111, a color filter substrate 113 and a liquid crystal (notshown) interposed between the TFT and color filter substrates 111 and113.

[0033] The TFT substrate 111 is a transparent glass substrate on whichTFTs are disposed in a matrix configuration. Each of the TFTs includes asource terminal connected to a data line, a gate terminal connected to agate line and a drain terminal having a pixel electrode comprised of ITO(Indium Tin Oxide), which is a transparent conductive material. When anelectric signal is applied to the data and gate lines, the source andgate terminals of each the TFTs receive the electric signal through thedata and gate lines. Responsive to the electric signal, the TFTs areturned on or turned off, so that the drain terminal receives theelectric signal needed to form a pixel.

[0034] The color filter substrate 113 is disposed so that it is facingthe TFT substrate 111. RGB pixels, which are color pixels for emittingpredetermined colors when the light passes therethrough, are formed onthe color filter substrate 113 through a thin film process. A commonelectrode comprised of ITO is disposed on an entire surface of the colorfilter substrate 113.

[0035] When a power is applied to the gate and source terminals of theTFTs disposed on the TFT substrate 111, the TFTs are turned on so thatan electric field is generated between the pixel electrode and commonelectrode of the color filter substrate 113. The electric field affectsthe aligning angle of the liquid crystal disposed between the TFTsubstrate 111 and color filter substrate 113. Accordingly, lighttransmittance of the liquid crystal is a function of the variation ofthe aligning angle of the liquid crystal. Thus, a desired image may beobtained by controlling the alignment of the liquid crystal.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the data TCP 140 is connected to the dataline of the LCD panel 110 to determine the timing of a data drivingsignal, and the gate TCP 150 is connected to the gate line of the LCDpanel 110 to determine the timing of a gate driving signal. The data PCB120, which is for receiving an image signal from an external source andapplying the data driving signal to the data line, is connected to thedata TCP 140. The gate PCB 130 for applying the gate driving signal tothe gate line is connected to the gate TCP 150.

[0037] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the data PCB 120 may be [provided]integrated with the gate PCB 130 to form a single PCB (not shown) on theLCD apparatus 1000.

[0038] The backlight assembly 500 includes a plurality of lamps 210, areflecting plate 220 disposed under the lamps 210, a diffusing plate 230disposed on the lamps 210, an optical sheet 240 disposed on thediffusing plate 230, and a receiving container for receiving the lamps210, reflecting plate 220, diffusing plate 230 and the optical sheet240. The lamps 210 generate light and the diffusing plate 230 diffusesthe generated light to achieve a brightness distribution that is asuniform as possible. The reflecting plate 220 reflects the light fromthe lamps 210 to increase the amount of the light supplied to thediffusing plate 230 and the optical sheet 240 controls brightnessproperties such as a visual angle of the light diffused by the diffusingplate 230.

[0039] Each of the lamps 210 is provided with a first lamp holder 211 a(see FIG. 9) and a second lamp holder 212 a (see FIG. 9) thataccommodate opposite ends of each of the lamps 210. The first and thesecond lamp holders 211 a and 212 a fix the positions of wires thatsupply power to the lamps 210.

[0040] The receiving container includes a bottom mold frame 300, anupper mold frame 600, a bottom chassis 400 and a top chassis 700. Thebottom mold frame 300 includes two or more members. In some embodiments,the bottom mold frame 300 includes first to fourth members 310, 320, 330and 340 that can be coupled to one another. The bottom mold frame 300receives the lamps 210 electrically connected to each other andpositioned parallel to each other. The diffusing plate 230 and theoptical sheet 240 are sequentially disposed on the bottom mold frame300.

[0041] The bottom chassis 400 includes a bottom plane 410 and a sidewall420 that extend from the bottom plane 410 to provide a receiving space.The bottom chassis 400 receives the reflecting plate 220 on the bottomplane 410. The reflecting plate 220, in turn, receives the bottom moldframe 300 on the reflecting plate 220.

[0042] The upper mold frame 600 is disposed on the optical sheet 240.Placing the diffusing plate 230 and the optical sheet 240 between thebottom mold frame 300 and the upper mold frame 600 fixes the positionsof the diffusing plate 230 and the optical sheet 240. The upper moldframe 600 supports the LCD panel 110 disposed thereon. The upper moldframe 600 may include two or more members that can be coupled with oneanother, like the bottom mold frame 300.

[0043] The top chassis 700 is disposed on the LCD panel 110. The topchassis 700 includes a surface having an opening for displaying theimages on the LCD panel 110 and a sidewall extending from the surface.This surface with the opening presses down on the edges of the LCD panel110, and the sidewall of the top chassis 700 fits over the sidewall 420of the bottom chassis 400 so that the LCD panel 110 is coupled to theupper mold frame 600.

[0044]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thebottom mold frame shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional viewshowing an assembled structure of the bottom mold frame shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the bottom mold frame 300 includes the firstmember 310, a second member 320 having a structure substantially similarto that of the first member 310, a third member 330 coupled to the firstand the second members 310 and 320, and a fourth member 340 also coupledto the first and the second members 310 and 320. The third member 330and the fourth member 340 are preferably coupled to opposite ends of thefirst member 310 and opposite ends of the second member 320 so that thefour members form a rectangular frame.

[0046] The third member 330 includes a first main portion 331 with afirst engaging portion 332 and a second engaging portion 333 extendingfrom opposite ends of the first main portion 331 at approximately 90° tothe first main portion 331. The first engaging portion 332 and thesecond engaging portion 333 may extend substantially parallel to eachother. The fourth member 340 includes a second main portion 341 with athird engaging portion 342 and a fourth engaging portion 343 extendingfrom opposite ends of the second main portion 341 at approximately 90°to the second main portion 331. The third engaging portion 342 and thefourth engaging portion 343 may extend substantially parallel to eachother.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second engaging portions332 and 333 include a first receiving groove 332 a for receiving a firstend portion 311 of the first member 310 and a second receiving groove333 a for receiving a first end portion 321 of the second member 320,respectively. The third and the fourth engaging portions 342 and 343include a third receiving groove 342 a for receiving a second endportion 312 of the first member 310 and a fourth receiving groove 343 afor receiving a second end portion 322 of the second member 320,respectively.

[0048] The first end portions 311 and 321 and second end portions 312and 322 of the first and second members 310 and 320 are sized to beinserted into the first to fourth receiving grooves 332 a, 333 a, 342 aand 343 a, respectively. That is, the first end portions 311 and 321 andthe second end portions 312 and 322 are not larger than that of thefirst to fourth receiving grooves 332 a, 333 a, 342 a and 343 a,respectively. With these insertions, the first end portions 311 and 321and the second end portions 312 and 322 [may be] are coupled with thefirst to fourth receiving grooves 332 a, 333 a, 342 a and 343 a.

[0049] The first engaging portion 332 has a first engaging hole 332 band the second engaging portion 333 has a second engaging hole 333 b.The first member 310 includes a first engaging protrusion 311 a locatedon an upper surface of the first end portion 311 and designed to tightlyfit into the first engaging hole 332 b. Similarly, the second member 320includes a second engaging protrusion 321 a located on an upper surfaceof the first end portion 321 and designed to tightly fit into the secondengaging hole 333 b. The first and the second engaging protrusions 311 aand 321 a are extended through the first and second engaging holes 332 band 333 b, respectively, coupling the first end portions 311 and 321 ofthe first and second members 310 and 320 to the third member 330.

[0050] The third engaging portion 342 has a third engaging hole 342 band the fourth engaging portion 343 has a fourth engaging hole 343 b.The first member 310 includes a third engaging protrusion 312 a locatedon an upper surface of the second end portion 312 and designed totightly fit into the third engaging hole 342 b. Similarly, the secondmember 320 includes a fourth engaging protrusion 322 a located on anupper surface of the second end portion 322 and designed to tightly fitinto the fourth engaging hole 343 b. The third and fourth engagingprotrusions 312 a and 322 a are extend through the third and fourthengaging holes 342 b and 343 b, respectively, coupling the second endportions 312 and 322 of the first and second members 310 and 320 to thefourth member 330.

[0051] In FIGS. 3 and 4, the first to fourth engaging protrusions 311 a,312 a, 321 a and 322 a are located on the first and second members 310and 320, and the first to fourth engaging holes 332 b, 333 b, 342 b and343 b are provided with the third and fourth members 330 and 340.Although not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first to fourth engagingprotrusions 311 a, 312 a, 321 a and 322 a may be located on the thirdand fourth members 330 and 340 instead of on the first and secondmembers 310 and 320. In this case, the first to fourth engaging holes332 b, 333 b, 342 b and 343 b are located on the first and secondmembers 310 and 320 instead of on the third and fourth members 330 and340. The first to fourth members 310, 320, 330 and 340 may be made of asame material or different materials. If the first to fourth members310, 320, 330 and 340 are made of the different materials in order toincrease a strength of the bottom mold frame 300, the first and secondmembers 310 and 320 may be made of metal and the third and fourthmembers 330 and 340 may be made of a material that is softer than metal,such as plastic.

[0052]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thebottom mold frame according to another embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembledstructure of the bottom mold frame shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a bottom mold frame 350 includes thefirst member 310, the second member 320 having a structure substantiallysimilar to that of the first member 310, the third member 330 coupled tothe first and the second members 310 and 320, and the fourth member 340also coupled with the first and the second members 310 and 320. Thethird member 330 and the fourth member 340 are preferably coupled toopposite ends of the first member 310 and opposite ends of the secondmember 320 to form a rectangular frame.

[0054] The third member 330 includes a first main portion 331 with afirst engaging portion 336 and a second engaging portion 339 extendingfrom opposite ends at approximately 90° to the first main portion 331.The first engaging portion 336 and the second engaging portion 339 mayextend substantially parallel to each other. The fourth member 340includes a second main portion 341 with a third engaging portion 346 anda fourth engaging portion 349 extending from opposite ends of the secondextending portion 341 at approximately 90° to the second main portion331. The third engaging portion 346 and the fourth engaging portion 349may extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0055] The first engaging portion 336 includes a first structure havinga first outer section 334 and a first inner section 335. Likewise, thesecond engaging portion 339 includes a second structure having a secondouter section 337 and a second inner section 338 (see FIG. 6). The firstand the second outer sections 334 and 337 are spaced apart from thefirst and second inner sections 335 and 338, respectively, forming gapsinto which the first end portion 311 of the first member 310 and thefirst end portion 321 of the second member 320 are inserted,respectively. Preferably, the gaps between the first and the secondouter sections 334, 337 and the first and the second inner sections 335,338 are wider than the thickness of the first end portions 311, 321 ofthe first and second members 310, 320.

[0056] The first engaging portion 336 has a first engaging hole 334 adisposed on an upper surface of the first outer section 334 and a firstengaging recess (not shown), disposed on an upper surface of the firstinner section 335. This first engaging recess is aligned with the firstengaging hole 334 a. The second engaging portion 339 has a secondengaging hole 337 a disposed on an upper surface of the second outersection 337 and a second engaging recess 338 a (see FIG. 6) disposed onan upper surface of the second inner section 338. This second engagingrecess is aligned with the second engaging hole 337 a.

[0057] The first member 310 is provided with a third engaging hole 311 bon the first end portion 311 and positioned to align with the firstengaging hole 334 b when the first end portion 311 is inserted into thespace in the first engaging portion 336. Similarly, the second member320 is provided with a fourth engaging hole 321 b on the first endportion 321 and positioned to align with the second engaging hole 337 awhen the first end portion 321 is inserted into the space in the secondengaging portion 339.

[0058] The third and the fourth engaging portions 346 and 349 of thefourth member 340 have a structure that is substantially similar to thatof the first and the second engaging portions 336 and 339 of the thirdmember 330. That is, the third engaging portion 346 is provided with afifth engaging hole 346 a and a third engaging recess (not shown) thataligns with the fifth engaging hole 346 a when the second end portion312 of the first member 310 is inserted into the third engaging portion346. Similarly, the fourth engaging portion 349 is provided with a sixthengaging hole 349 a and a fourth engaging recess (not shown) that alignswith the sixth engaging hole 349 a when the second end portion 322 ofthe second member 320 is inserted into the fourth engaging portion 349.

[0059] The first member 310 has a seventh engaging hole 312 b on thesecond end portion 312. This seventh engaging hole 312 b is positionedso that it aligns with the fifth engaging hole 346 a when the second endportion 312 of the first member 310 is inserted into the third engagingportion 346 of the fourth member 340. Similarly, the second member 320has an eighth engaging hole 322 b on the second end portion 322. Thiseighth engaging hole 322 b is positioned so that it aligns with thesixth engaging hole 349 a when the second end portion 322 is insertedinto the fourth engaging portion 349.

[0060] Screws may be used to securely couple the first member 310 andthe second member 320 to the third member 330. After the first endportion 311 of the first member 310 is inserted into the first engagingportion 336 of the third member 330, a first screw 334 b is screwed intothe first engaging recess (not shown) of the first inner wall 335, sothat the first end portion 311 is combined with the third member 330.This screw is long enough to extend through the first engaging hole 334a and the third engaging hole 311 b. Likewise, after a second screw 337b is screwed into the second engaging recess 338 a of the second innerwall 338 with the first end portion 321 of the second member 320inserted into the second engaging portion 339 of the third member 330,thereby combining the first end portion 321 is coupled with the thirdmember 330. This screw used to securely couple the second member 320with the third member 330 is long enough to extend through the secondengaging hole 337 a and the fourth engaging hole 321 b.

[0061] Screws may also be used to securely couple the first member 310and the second member 320 to the fourth member 340. After the second endportion 312 of the first member 310 is inserted into the third engagingportion 346 of the fourth member 340, a third screw 346 b is screwedinto the third engaging recess (not shown), so that the second endportion 312 is combined with the fourth member 340. Likewise, after afourth screw 349 b is screwed into the fourth engaging recess (notshown) with the second end portion 322 of the second member 320 insertedinto the fourth engaging portion 339 of the fourth member 330, thesecond end portion 321 is coupled with the fourth member 340. The screws346 b is long enough to extend through the fifth engaging hole 346 a andthe seventh engaging hole (not shown), and the screw 349 b is longenough to extend through the fourth engaging hole 349 a and the sixthengaging hole 322 b.

[0062]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thebottom mold frame according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7, a bottom mold frame 390 includes a firstmember 360 and a second member 370 combined with the first member 360.

[0064] The first member 360 includes a first main portion 361, a secondmain portion 362 extending from the first main portion 361 in adirection that is perpendicular to the first main portion 361, a firstengaging portion 363 extending from the second body portion 362 in adirection parallel to the first main portion 361, and a second engagingportion 364 extending from an end portion of the first main portion 361.

[0065] The second member 370 includes a third main portion 371, a fourthmain portion 372 extending from the third main portion 371 in adirection that is perpendicular to the third main portion 371, a thirdengaging portion 373 extending from the fourth main portion 372 in adirection parallel to the third main portion 371, and a fourth engagingportion 374 extending from an end portion of the third main portion 371.

[0066] The first member 360 may be completely combined with the secondmember 370 by engaging the first and second engaging portions 363 and364 to the fourth and third engaging portions 374 and 373, respectively.For this combination of the first and second members 360 and 370, thefirst engaging portion 363 is provided with a first receiving groove 363a in which the fourth engaging portion 374 is received and the thirdengaging portion 373 is provided with a second receiving groove 373 a inwhich the second engaging portion 364 is received.

[0067] Also, the first engaging portion 363 has a first engaging hole363 b and the third engaging portion 373 has a second engaging hole 373b. The fourth engaging portion 374 has a first engaging protrusion 374 acorresponding to the first engaging hole 363 b and the second engagingportion 364 has a second engaging protrusion 364 a corresponding to thesecond engaging hole 373 b.

[0068] The first engaging portion 363 of the first member 360 may besecurely coupled with the fourth engaging portion 374 of the secondmember 370 by inserting the first engaging protrusion 374 a into thefirst engaging hole 363 b. Also, the second engaging portion 364 of thefirst member 360 may be securely coupled with the third engaging portion373 of the second member 370 by inserting the second engaging protrusion364 a into the second engaging hole 373 b. Coupling the first engagingportion 363 with the fourth engaging portion 374 and the second engagingportion 364 with the third engaging portion 373 completely combines thefirst member 360 with the second member 370. Although not shown in FIG.7, the first member 360 may be coupled to the second member 370 using ascrew in other embodiments.

[0069]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled structure includingthe lamps 210 of FIG. 1 and the bottom mold frame 350 shown in FIG. 5.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled structure shown inFIG. 8 as viewed from a plane that includes line D-D′. FIG. 10 is across-sectional view of the assembled structure shown in FIG. 8 asviewed from a plane that includes line E-E′.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bottom mold frame 350 (shown inFIG. 5) includes the first member 310, the second member 320 positionedparallel to the first member 310, the third member 330 connected to thefirst end portions 311 and 312 of the first and second end portions 310and 320, and the fourth member 340 connected to the second end portions312 and 322.

[0071] The third member 330 includes the first main portion 331connected to the first engaging portion 336 and the second engagingportion 339 that extend from opposite ends of the first main portion 331in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first mainportion 331. The fourth member 340 includes the second main portion 341connected to the third engaging portion 346 and the fourth engagingportion 349 that extend from opposite ends of the second main portion341 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the secondmain portion 341.

[0072] The first main portion 331 of the third member 330 includes aplurality of first lamp receiving grooves 331 a separated from eachother by a predetermined distance. The second main portion 341 of thefourth member 340 includes a plurality of second lamp receiving grooves341 a that are arranged in a way such that each of the lamps 210 canextend from one of the receiving grooves 331 a to one of the receivinggrooves 341 a. Each of the lamps 210 is provided with the first lampholder 211 a and the second lamp holder 212 a combined with opposite endportions thereof. The first lamp holder 211 a is received in the firstlamp receiving groove 331 a and the second lamp holder 212 a is receivedin the second lamp receiving groove 341 a. Thus, the lamps 210 arereceived in the bottom mold frame 350 and spaced apart by apredetermined distance.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, the first member 310 includes a first outersidewall 313, a first receiving portion 314 extending from the firstouter sidewall 313, and a first inner sidewall 315 extending from thefirst receiving portion 314. Similarly, the second member 320 includes asecond outer sidewall 323, a second receiving portion 324 extending fromthe second outer sidewall 320, and a second inner sidewall 324 extendingfrom the second receiving portion 324.

[0074] The first inner sidewall 315 is inclined at a predetermined anglewith respect to the first receiving portion 314, and the second innersidewall 325 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to thesecond receiving portion 324. The first and the second inner sidewalls315 and 325 change the paths of the light generated by the lamps 210 toincrease the amount of the light provided to the LCD panel.

[0075]FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the backlightassembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the backlightassembly of FIG. 11 after assemblage, as viewed from a plane includingline F-F′. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the backlight assemblyof FIG. 12 as viewed from a plane including line G-G′.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 11 and 12, the backlight assembly 500 includesthe lamps 210, the reflecting plate 220, the diffusing plate 230, theoptical sheet 240 and a receiving container for receiving the lamps 210,the reflecting plate 220, the diffusing plate 230 and the optical sheet240. The receiving container has the bottom mold frame 350 and thebottom chassis 400.

[0077] When the lamps 210 are received in the bottom mold frame 350, thediffusing plate 230 and the optical sheet 240 are disposed on the lamps210. The bottom mold frame 350 has a first ledge 351 on which thediffusing plate 230 rests. The optical sheet 240 is disposed on thediffusing plate 230. A second ledge 352 supports the optical sheet 240.The second ledge 352 is positioned higher than the first ledge 351, andthe height difference is approximately equal to the thickness of thediffusing plate 230. The second ledge 352 includes a fixing protrusion352 a for fixing the optical sheet 240. Each of the third and fourthmembers 330 and 340 also includes a counterpart of the fixing protrusion352 a for supporting the optical sheet 240.

[0078] The optical sheet 240 includes a body 241 having dimensions thatsubstantially match the effective display area of the LCD panel and afixing portion 242 that extend from both ends of the body 241. Thefixing hole 242 a that is designed to fit with the fixing protrusion 352a is part of the fixing portion 242. Accordingly, when the optical sheet240 is received on the second ledge 352, the fixing protrusion 352 a isinserted into a fixing hole 242 a in the optical sheet 240, securelyfixing the optical sheet 240 to the bottom mold frame 350. With theoptical sheet 240 securely fixed in such manner, it will not move in thebottom mold frame 350 even though the LCD apparatus is subjected to anexternal force.

[0079] The bottom chassis 400 includes the bottom surface 410 and thesidewall 420 that extends from the bottom surface 410. The bottomchassis 400 receives the reflecting plate 220 on the bottom surface 410and the bottom mold frame 350 is placed on the reflecting plate 220.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 13, the reflecting plate 220 includes a flatportion 221 on which the lamps 210 are received and an inclined portion222 disposed between the lamps 210. The inclined portion 222 has a firstinclined surface 222 a inclined at a first angle with respect to theflat portion 221 and a second inclined surface 222 b inclined at asecond angle with respect to the flat portion 221. The first inclinedsurface 222 a and the second inclined surface 222 b contact each other.

[0081] When the reflecting plate 220 is received in the bottom chassis350, a wire receiving space 223 forms between the bottom chassis 400 andthe reflecting plate 220. That is, the wire receiving space 223 receivesa lamp wire (not shown) that extends from one end of the lamps 210 toanother end. Also, the inclined portion 222 controls the paths of thelight emitted from the lamps 210 to control the brightness of the light.The bottom mold frame 350 may be coupled with the bottom chassis 400using a hook or a screw.

[0082] According to the backlight assembly and the LCD apparatus, thebottom mold frame that receives the lamps, the diffusing plate and theoptical sheet has two or more members that can be combined into arectangular frame.

[0083] Therefore, although the size of the LCD apparatus may becomelarger, a suitably-sized bottom mold frame may be fabricated using thetwo or more members having small sizes in comparison with the LCDapparatus. Accordingly, the LCD apparatus manufacturing processes aresimplified and cost of production is reduced.

[0084] Also, it is able to prevent the bottom mold frame from warpingduring fabrication, thereby increasing the quality of the LCD apparatus.

[0085] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention havebeen described, it is understood that the present invention should notbe limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes andmodifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within thespirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A backlight assembly comprising: at least onelamp for generating light, wherein the at least one lamp has a firstlamp end and a second lamp end; a light diffusing member for diffusingthe light to achieve a brightness distribution that fulfills apredetermined criterion; and a first receiving container for receivingthe lamp and the light diffusing member, the first receiving containerincluding at least two members that couple to form a frame.
 2. Thebacklight assembly of claim 1, wherein the first receiving containercomprises: a first member positioned substantially parallel to the lamp;a second member positioned substantially parallel to the first member; athird member located between and coupled to the first and the secondmembers, wherein the third member is coupled to first lamp ends; and afourth member located between and coupled to the first and the secondmembers, wherein the third member is coupled to second lamp ends.
 3. Thebacklight assembly of claim 2, wherein the third member comprises: afirst main portion having a first end and a second end, a first engagingportion extending from the first end of the first main portion in adirection substantially perpendicular to the first main portion, and asecond engaging portion extending from the second end of the first bodyportion and positioned substantially parallel to the first engagingportion, and wherein the fourth member comprises: a second main portionlocated substantially parallel to the first main portion, wherein thesecond main portion has a first end and a second end, a third engagingportion extending from the first end of the second main portion towardthe first engaging portion, and a fourth engaging portion extending froma second end of the second main portion and positioned substantiallyparallel to the third engaging portion.
 4. The backlight assembly ofclaim 3 further comprising: a first receiving groove located in thefirst engaging portion for receiving a first end portion of the firstmember, a second receiving groove located in the second engaging portionfor receiving a first end portion of the second member, a thirdreceiving groove located in the third engaging portion for receiving asecond end portion of the first member, and a fourth receiving groovelocated in the fourth engaging portion for receiving a second endportion of the second member.
 5. The backlight assembly of claim 4,wherein the first and the second engaging portions of the third memberare combined with the first ends of the first and the second memberswith a screw, respectively, and the third and the fourth engagingportions of the fourth member are combined with the second ends of thefirst and the second members with another screw, respectively.
 6. Thebacklight assembly of claim 2, wherein the backlight assembly furthercomprises a lamp holder for receiving the first lamp end, and whereinthe third member includes a lamp receiving groove for receiving the lampholder.
 7. The backlight assembly of claim 2, wherein the backlightassembly further comprises a lamp holder, and wherein the fourth memberincludes a lamp receiving groove for receiving the lamp holder.
 8. Thebacklight assembly of claim 2, wherein the light diffusing membercomprises: a diffusing plate disposed on the first receiving container,the diffusing plate diffusing the light emitted from the lamps; and anoptical sheet disposed on the diffusing plate, the optical sheetincreasing optical properties the diffused light, the optical sheethaving a body portion and a fixing portion that protrudes from the mainportion, and fixing protrusions located on the third and the fourthmembers, the fixing protrusions fixing the optical sheet to the thirdand the fourth members, wherein the fixing protrusions are designed tobe inserted into a fixing hole located on the fixing portion of theoptical sheet.
 9. The backlight assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstreceiving container comprises: a first member having a first mainportion and a second main portion extending from a first end of thefirst main portion in a direction perpendicular to the first mainportion; and a second member having a third main portion parallel to thefirst main portion and a fourth main portion extending from a first endof the third main portion in a direction perpendicular to the third mainportion, the second member being separably coupled to both ends of thefirst member.
 10. The backlight assembly of claim 9, wherein the firstmember further comprises a first engaging portion extending from bothends of the second main portion in a direction parallel to the firstmain portion and, the first engaging portion being designed to becoupled to a second end of the third main portion, and wherein thesecond member further comprises a second engaging portion extending fromboth ends of the fourth main portion in a direction parallel to thethird main portion, the second engaging portion being designed to becoupled to a second end portion of the first main portion.
 11. Thebacklight assembly of claim 9, wherein the backlight assembly furthercomprises a first lamp holder having a receiving space for receiving thefirst lamp end and a second lamp holder having a receiving space forreceiving the second lamp end, and wherein the second and the fourthmain portions are provided with a first lamp receiving groove forreceiving the first lamp holder and a second lamp receiving groove forreceiving the second lamp holder, respectively.
 12. The backlightassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a second receiving containerfor receiving the first receiving container, the second receivingcontainer having a surface and sidewalls extending from the surface; anda light reflecting member for reflecting the light emitted from the lampto the light diffusing member, the light reflecting member beingdisposed on the bottom surface of the second receiving container.
 13. AnLCD apparatus comprising: a plurality of lamps for generating light, thelamps having first lamp ends and second lamp ends; a light diffusingmember for diffusing the light to achieve a substantially uniformbrightness distribution; a first receiving container for receiving thelamps and the light diffusing member, the first receiving containerincluding at least two members that couple to form a frame; a secondreceiving container for receiving the first receiving container, thesecond receiving container having a surface and sidewalls extending fromthe surface; an LCD panel for receiving the light and displaying animage; and a chassis combined with the second receiving container to fixthe LCD panel to the first receiving container.
 14. The LCD apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the first receiving container comprises: a firstmember positioned substantially parallel to the lamps; a second memberpositioned substantially parallel to the first member; a third memberlocated between the first and the second members and receiving the firstlamp ends; and a fourth member located between the first and the secondmembers and receiving the second lamp ends.
 15. The LCD apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the first member comprises a first outer sidewall anda first inner sidewall wherein the first inner sidewall reflects thelight emitted from the lamps to the LCD panel, the first inner sidewallextending from the first outer sidewall and inclined at a predeterminedangle, and the second member comprises a second outer sidewall and asecond inner sidewall wherein the first inner sidewall reflects thelight emitted from the lamps to the LCD panel, the second inner sidewallextending from the second outer sidewall and inclined at a predeterminedangle.
 16. The LCD apparatus of claim 14, wherein the backlight assemblyfurther comprises: a first lamp holder having a receiving space forreceiving first ends of the lamps and a second lamp holder having areceiving space for receiving second ends of the lamps, wherein thethird and the fourth members include a first lamp receiving groove forreceiving the first lamp holder and a second lamp receiving groove forreceiving the second lamp holder, respectively.
 17. The LCD apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the first and the second members comprise a metal andthe third and the fourth members comprise a plastic.
 18. The LCDapparatus of claim 13, further comprising a third receiving containerdisposed on the light diffusing member to press the light diffusingmember toward the first receiving container and support the LCD panel.